/ ɪnˈfɔːm; NAmE ɪnˈfɔːrm/ verb
1.
inform sb (of / about sth) to tell sb about sth, especially in an official way :
[ vn ]
Please inform us of any changes of address.
[ vn that ]
I have been reliably informed (= somebody I trust has told me) that the couple will marry next year.
[ vn speech ]
'He's already left,' she informed us.
[also vn wh- ]
2.
[ vn ] inform yourself (of / about sth) to find out information about sth :
We need time to inform ourselves thoroughly of the problem.
3.
[ vn ] ( formal ) to have an influence on sth :
Religion informs every aspect of their lives.
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- inform on sb
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English enforme , informe give form or shape to , also form the mind of, teach , from Old French enfourmer , from Latin informare shape, fashion, describe, from in- into + forma a form.